Shen Qin thought it over and found no issue with such a collaboration, so he nodded. "Sure, just give me the requirements directly. If it's something I can do, I'll definitely help customize it for you."
He remembered that in his past life on Earth, there had been similar business models, large corporations would invest in R&D labs, commissioning them to develop new products tailored to their needs. The researchers in those labs not only earned hefty fees but could also publish papers to gain prestige and recognition. It was a win-win.
Coincidentally, his system's next task was to build an alchemy research base. When the time came, he could directly assign Liyue's custom orders as research projects for the base.
Keqing's face brightened. "That's great! But the specific requirements will take some time to finalize. We haven't worked out the detailed plans yet."
What a coincidence. Shen Qin's research base didn't exist yet either.
"We'll discuss it when the time comes, then."
"Mm! By the way, have you decided what your next alchemy product will be?" She asked curiously.
"Not yet. Right now, I just want to rest for a few days. I've been pushing myself too hard lately."
"You really should take a break. Most alchemists consider it a productive year if they successfully develop just one new product. You've created five or six in two months, of course you're exhausted!" Keqing shook her head, amazed by his speed.
Shen Qin sighed. "What else could I do? The Abyss Order and Dvalin have been threatening Mondstadt nonstop. I had no choice but to keep developing new solutions. I was forced into it!"
Keqing smiled faintly. Sometimes, external pressure really could become a person's driving force. She was the same, precisely because Liyue faced all kinds of problems, big and small, she strove to change it through her own efforts, to make it a better place.
"By the way, you've been staying in Mondstadt all this time. What about your work in Liyue?" Shen Qin asked curiously.
"Before I left, I prepared five contingency plans. One of them covered this exact scenario—if I were gone for an extended period, my assistant would carry out the tasks according to my prearranged plans. And if anything beyond their capacity came up, I've already discussed it with the other Qixing. They'll step in to help."
Nothing could stump her!
Shen Qin gave an admiring thumbs-up. "As expected of the Yuheng Star!"
Praise from him actually made Keqing blush slightly. "I'm still far from where I need to be. To make Liyue better, I'll have to put in ten, twenty times the effort."
As she spoke, there was a firm conviction in her demeanor. Just like in the game, she was the same decisive, forward-thinking Keqing who dared to speak her mind even in the face of the Geo Archon's decrees.
Shen Qin grinned. "I believe you can do it."
"Thank you." Keqing looked at him. "Now that the dragon crisis in Mondstadt is over, we'll be returning to Liyue in a few days. Would you like to come with us and visit?"
"Not for now. But I'll definitely return to Liyue before the Rite of Descension."
"Alright. Just let me know in advance when you plan to come, and I'll arrange everything for you!"
The two chatted for a while longer by the fountain plaza, then had lunch together at the Good Hunter. Afterward, Shen Qin gallantly escorted Keqing back to the guesthouse.
"Let me know before you leave Mondstadt. I'll see you off."
"No problem." Keqing waved goodbye.
Watching him walk away, she smiled softly. Today, not only had she secured a verbal agreement for collaboration, but she'd also gotten to know him a little better. And being around him put her completely at ease.
In Liyue, her status as one of the revered Qixing meant most people acted stiff and formal around her. She'd once tried to interact with them as friends, only to be met with awkwardness and distance. Combined with her "disrespectful" stance toward the Geo Archon, her circle of friends had dwindled.
But this trip to Mondstadt had pleasantly surprised her—she'd gained many new friendships. Leaving aside those with Visions, even Shen Qin, an "ordinary person," treated her as just another friend, completely disregarding her identity as the Yuheng Star.
So, for once, she'd changed into casual clothes, wanting to relax during her final days in Mondstadt.
"Once I'm back in Liyue, it's back to hard work!"
Even the diligent Yuheng Star needed to slack off occasionally.
As for Shen Qin? After the dragon crisis ended, he fully embraced his inner slacker.
Day 1
Noon: Met Keqing for that collaboration talk. She's sharper than a double-edged sword—efficient but terrifying.
Afternoon: Attended Lumine's Honorary Knight ceremony at the cathedral. Almost stole her thunder (and title) by accident. Whoops.
Day 2
Morning: Hit the Cat's Tail for drinks and Genius Invokation TCG. Lost three rounds straight to a drunkard who swore his dice were cursed.
Afternoon: Dropped by the Dawn Winery's factory and "volunteered" some poor soul to test the cleric-exclusive smart bracelet. (Note: Pay them extra.)
Evening: Albedo showed me his Gnosis replica. The structure's flawless, but replicating it? Yeah, that'll take ages.
Day 3
Morning: Saw Keqing off. She's heading back to Liyue with that "I'll-reform-the-government" glint in her eyes. Admirable, but exhausting.
Afternoon: Returned to the Cat's Tail. More drinks, more TCG. This time, I won—thanks to a lucky draw and my opponent's fourth cocktail.
Night: Klee caught me reeking of wine. Got a 30-minute lecture about "setting bad examples." From a kid who bombs fish. The irony.
Day 4
Took Sucrose and Klee fishing outside the city.
Fish caught: 0
TCG games played: 12
Sucrose's panic when Klee nearly tossed a bomb into the lake: Priceless.
Day 5
Stared at the ceiling.
Thought: "Shen Qin, you're a disgrace to alchemy. Get your act together."
Action: Rolled over and napped.
Day 6
Repeat of Day 4, minus Sucrose's screaming. Progress?
Day 7
Diluc stormed in, demanding I launch the smart bracelet and mechanical pets yesterday. Had to spill my plans about the research base and automated production lines. His reaction? A mix of awe and "why didn't you mention this sooner?"
Future Goal: Stop being a slacker. (Maybe tomorrow.)
…
…
"I'm planning to build a research base first, then design a few automated production lines. Once those are ready, output could increase severalfold, maybe even dozens of times! Until then, I'll hold off on releasing other new products."
"Automated production lines? What's that?" Diluc's interest was piqued by this yield-boosting innovation.
Shen Qin explained, "Right now, every step in our production relies on manual labor, and the quality of components depends entirely on each alchemist's experience. But automated production lines replace human labor with machinery. As long as the machines don't malfunction, the precision and speed of component production will far surpass manual alchemy."
Diluc's eyes lit up. Having overseen the setup of numerous production lines himself, he wasn't clueless about manufacturing.
He recalled the mechanical arm in the library's management system. it executed every step flawlessly, never making a mistake.
If similar machinery could be applied, it really might replace human labor entirely!
"That's a brilliant idea! I was planning to set up a new factory in Liyue soon, but if automated production lines deliver what you're promising, it's worth waiting until they're ready before expanding."
Shen Qin chuckled. "We could start with a specialty store in Liyue. Meanwhile, recruit more alchemists in Mondstadt to boost output, then ship the products to Liyue for sale."
"But if automated production eliminates the need for labor, why hire so many alchemists now? What will we do with them later? Sign short-term contracts?" Diluc frowned. The current factory alchemists were on contracts of three years or longer. Just thinking about their future after automation gave him a headache—once the contracts were signed, they'd have to be honored, even if it meant paying idle workers.
Shen Qin laughed. "Diluc, do you know what the new era needs most? Talent!"